Kiwi Woman Who Retired In Penang Says She Has No Plans To Leave As She Feels Safer Here
Her life here is slower now, but she says there are 'plenty' of things to do — like yoga, swimming, and playing mahjong — that keep her busy and content.
Cover image via Jill Tozer/Business InsiderA New Zealander who moved to Penang, Malaysia says she's found a better quality of life, citing the warm weather, lower cost of living, and a welcoming community as reasons she has no plans to leave
Speaking to Business Insider, 68-year-old Jill Tozer shared how she first arrived in the country in 2014 after struggling with job instability following the devastating 2011 earthquake in Christchurch.
Prior to moving here, she had been working as a physiotherapist.
"I crunched the numbers and thought, am I better off staying in New Zealand and paying ridiculous amounts for rent, unable to get a well-paying job, or coming to Malaysia and living off investment income?
"I figured I possibly would be better off here," she said.
Tozer eventually settled in a three-bedroom apartment in Tanjung Tokong, near George Town, paying RM2,000 per month in rent. The 1,200-square-foot unit came with a sea view and access to facilities that allow her to swim and practise yoga — two of her favourite activities.
A vegetarian who doesn't eat imported foods, Tozer eats out several times a week and fills her days playing bridge and mahjong. She says her daily life in Penang is now slower-paced.
"One of the reasons I came here, particularly to Malaysia, is because it's safe. For a single woman, that's quite a big consideration," she told Business Insider.
"There are lots of places I wouldn't move to on my own, but Malaysia, no problem."
Tozer is currently on the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa
She's is one of the 58,468 active MM2H pass holders in the country.
According to Business Insider, she said one of the biggest perks of living in Malaysia is the tropical climate.
"The main reason I'm here is for the weather. I love never being cold," she said, adding, "I love being able to go swimming any time I want."
Tozer also said she finds the social culture in Malaysia to be more inclusive, particularly for older adults.
"In New Zealand, as in many Western countries, older people are kind of almost invisible, but here you get more respect. People are actually nice to you, notice you, and want to help you," she explained.
Her monthly living expenses, including utilities and food, come in under RM4,000
Tozer noted that while she didn't know anyone when she first arrived, joining expat Facebook groups and local meetups helped her find community quickly.
Although the MM2H programme has undergone stricter financial requirements in recent years, Tozer said she's not due for renewal just yet, and will decide later whether to return to New Zealand.
For now, she's content.
Image via Jill Tozer/Business Insider
Malaysia has actually climbed the ranks to become one of the most sought-after destinations for China's ultra-rich seeking luxury homes:
